The following transcript has been adapted from the Abraham Lincoln Papers at the Library of Congress.

"Cypher"

United States Military Telegraph

War Department--

Washington D.C. June 10, 1863.

Major General Hooker

Your long despatch of to-day is just received. If left to me, I would not go South of the Rappahannock, upon Lee's moving North of it. If you have Richmond invested to-day, you would not be able to take it in twenty days; meanwhile, your communications, and with them, your Army would be ruined-- I think Lee's Army, and not Richmond, is your true objective point-- If he comes towards the Upper Potomac, follow on his flank, and on the inside track, shortening your lines, whilst he lengthens his-- Fight him when oppertunity offers.-- If he stays where he is, fret him, and fret him--